Vol. 13 Issue 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE TAN YAN KEE FOUNDATION, INC. January-June 2019
TYKFI Discusses Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Conservation with University of California-Davis Top Officials
Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. Chairman and President Lucio C. Tan (seated, center) hosts a recent meeting of Foundation trustees and officials with Chancellor Gary S. May (seated, right) and key officials of the University of California-Davis at the Century Park Hotel to discuss best practices in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in relation to the Foundation’s Legacy Forest Project. Seated with Dr. Tan are TYKFI trustees Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Marixi R. Prieto, Carmen K. Tan, and Chancellor May’s wife, LeShelle. Standing (from left) are Marina Tan Harper, UC Davis Senior Director of International Development; Shaun B. Keister, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations; TYKFI’s Foundation Head Philip Sing and Vice President and Corporate Secretary Juanita Tan Lee; Anita Oberbauer, Associate Dean and Professor of College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; TYKFI Trustee Cesar E.A. Virata; and UP Los Baños Professor Marlo D. Mendoza.
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HE Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) Board of Trustees, officers, and staff led by Chairman and President Lucio C. Tan had the opportunity to meet and discuss with top officials of University of California – Davis (UC Davis) on two occasions when the latter came to Manila in April and June 2019. On April 1 and 2, 2019, UC Davis’ Helene Dillard, Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science, met with
TYKFI key officers and technical staff both at the Makati head office and model farm in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija where she learned first-
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hand about some of the challenges of the Foundation in crop production and management. With programs ranked #1 in plant sciences, animal science, and agriculture, UC Davis is well positioned to share their knowledge and expertise to the Tan Yan Kee Foundation on improving agriculture and the natural environment. During her site visit, Dean Helene Dillard has identified and
integrated pest management, epidemiology and host/pathogen/ environment interactions. Dean Dillard has received many awards including her contributions in plant pathology and extension work with the agriculture industry. Meanwhile, UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May also met with Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Trustees Artemio V. Panganiban, Marixi R. Prieto, Carmen K. Tan, Amando M. Tet-
discussed key farm challenges like the anthracnose disease in the chili, pulp weevils in mangoes, and barnacles in mangrove plantations. Dean Helene Dillard’s expertise and past researches include the biology, ecology, and management of fungal pathogens that cause diseases in vegetable crops, such as anthracnose. As a plant pathologist, she has addressed sustainable disease management strategies,
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor: Evelyn Doris A. Abao Staff Writer: n Lara Grace A. Abaleta
Correspondents: n Jonathan L. Anuma n Valerie Ann L. Tan
Board of Advisers: n Jaime J. Bautista n Ma. Cecilia L. Pesayco n Juanita Tan Lee
7F Allied Bank Center, 6754 Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines www.tanyankee.org | tanyankee@asia.com | (632) 816-3311 loc. 522/520
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angco, and Cesar E.A. Virata; Vice President and Corporate Secretary Juanita Tan Lee, Foundation Head Philip Sing, and University of the Philippines Los Baños Professor Marlo Mendoza on June 21, 2019 at the Century Park Hotel. The TYKFI and UC Davis groups discussed sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in view of the many challenges of climate change, poverty and food scarcity. Chancellor May was accompanied by Anita Oberbauer, Associate Dean and Professor of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Shaun B. Keister, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations; LeShelle May, CNN senior software manager and developer and wife of UC Davis Chancellor May; and Marina Tan Harper, UC Davis Senior Director of International Development. Gary S. May became UC Davis’ seventh chancellor on Aug. 1, 2017. He leads the most compre-
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Dean Helene Dillard (seated, center) and UC Davis Senior Director Marina Tan Harper (seated, fourth from right) meet with Vice Chairman and Executive Director Harry C. Tan (fifth from left) and other Foundation officers and staff.
hensive campus in the University of California system. An accomplished scholar and engineer, May came to UC Davis from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, where he had been for nearly three decades, most recently as dean of the institute’s College of Engineering — the largest and most diverse school of its kind in the nation. In 2015, President Obama honored him with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) Mentoring. n 3
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TYKFI Trustees Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., Marixi R. Prieto, and Ret. Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban with the Legal Scholarship Program scholars for A.Y. 2018-2019
TYKFI-FLP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NAMES 2019 SCHOLARS
Atty. Sean James B. Borja is Bar Topnotcher; Atty. Katrina Monica C. Gaw is 5th placer
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Retired Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban, the FLP Chairman of the Board and a trustee of TYKFI, together with TYKFI trustees Marixi R. Prieto and Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., presented to the 20 scholars their full scholarship grants and certificates of recognition. Each scholar received P200,000 with allocation of P100,000 for tuition, P20,000 for books, and P80,000 for monthly stipends. For decades now, TYKFI as a Foundation has been committed to the cause of education in the country by bringing up scholars worthy of its mission and vision. FLP, on the other hand, was founded to perpetuate the core judicial philosophy of Ret. CJ Panganiban, liberty and prosperity under the rule of law. Together, they launched the program in 2016 to support aspiring lawyers in the country who are academically competent and who will uphold the mission and values of both Foundations. The final interview for the scholars was held at the First Division Conference Room of the Supreme Court located in Padre
project in partnership with Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity (FLP) and in cooperation with Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS), the TYKFI-FLP Legal Scholarship Program marks its third year of supporting bright young law scholars from various institutions in the country. In ceremonies on May 18, 2019 at the Ateneo Professional Schools Auditorium in Makati City, the TYKFI and FLP trustees awarded scholarship grants to 10 third year and 10 fourth year law scholars for AY 2018-2019. The Foundations proudly announced and awarded special citations to Bar topnotchers Atty. Sean James B. Borja and Atty. Katrina Monica C. Gaw. Both graduates of the Ateneo de Manila University, Atty. Borja and Atty. Gaw received P200,000 and P100,000, respectively, as cash rewards for their outstanding achievements. 4
Faura, Malate, Manila. The Board of Judges included Supreme Court Senior Justice Antonio T. Carpio as chairman, while panel members were former Education Secretary Edilberto C. De Jesus, PALS President Dean Joan Sarausos-Largo, TYKFI Officer Elizabeth T. Alba, and Ateneo de Manila University Professor Atty. Tanya Karina A. Lat. The third year scholars are: Banoar R. Abratique (University of the Cordilleras), Pamela Camille A. Barredo (Far Eastern University – Makati), Angelette C. Bulacan (Far Eastern University – Makati), Stephanie Mae B. Domingo (University of the Cordilleras), Maria Carissa C. Guinto (San Beda University – Makati), Patrick Angelo M. Gutierrez (Far Eastern University – Makati), Mayumi G. Matsumura (Ateneo de Manila University), Juralyn Lilian A. Obra (University of the Cordilleras), Carmella Gaye D. Perez (University of San Carlos), and Edrea Jean V. Ramirez (University of Santo Tomas). Fourth year law scholars are: Leo Francis F. Abot (Ateneo de
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Scholar Bar Passers with Gov. Tetangco, Ret. Chief Justice Panganiban, and TYKFI Officers
Manila), John Anthony F. Almerino (University of San Carlos), Micah Celine S. Carpio (De La Salle University), Arvin Paolo D. Cortez (Ateneo de Manila), Mikael Gabrielle E. Ilao (University of the Cordilleras), Alimar Mohammad Malabad (San Beda University – Manila), Kenneth Glenn L. Manuel (University of Santo Tomas), King Anthony Y. Perez (University of Cebu), Jun Dexter H. Rojas (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), and Ma. Vida Malaya M. Villarico (Polytechnic University of the Philippines). Meanwhile, the scholars who graduated with honors were also recognized: Atty. Jose Noel B. Hilario – Cum Laude, Atty. Sean James B. Borja – Valedictorian, Atty. Nigel Carmelo Q. Reago – Valedictorian, Atty. Rexlyn Anne M. Evora – No. 1 in her class, Atty. Summerson A. Macasarte – No. 1 in his class. They were given extra cash incentives for excelling in their respective classes.
Gov. Tetangco and Ret. Chief Justice Panganiban with 2018 Honor Scholar-Graduates
Atty. Summerson A. Macasarte (St. Thomas More), Atty. Nigel Carmelo Q. Reago (DSLU), Atty. Jose Angelo C. Tiglao (DLSU), Atty. Althea A. Vergara (USC), Atty. Vanessa Gloria S. Vergara (ADMU), Atty. Kevin Ken S. Ganchero (FEU), Atty. Jose Noel B. HIlario (UST), Atty. Violeta M. Najarro, Jr. (SBC-Alabang), Atty.
Fourteen scholars passed the 2018 Bar Examination: Atty. Karina Mae A. Badua (University Santo Tomas), Atty. Sean James B. Borja (ADMU), Atty. Ervin Frederick H. Dy (University of the Philippines), Atty. Rexlyn Anne M. Evora (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Atty. Katrina Monica C. Gaw (ADMU), 5
Ma. Janine V. Padernal (UST). Indeed, it seems not too far-fetched a dream that these scholars, who through their persistence, are to one day become a new generation of men and women, passionate for the law, reliable champions of liberty and prosperity, and beacons of hope for our country. n
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SPEECH OF ATTY. SEAN JAMES B. BORJA 2018 Bar Topnotcher
FLP Awarding Ceremony, May 18, 2019 Ateneo Professional Schools, Rockwell Center, Makati City
“M
y fellow scholars, proud parents, family, and friends, good
evening. Right now, I’m going to admit I feel like a deer in the headlights. One sweep of this room and I know I am surrounded by the heavy weights of our country today. At the same time, however, it truly is an honor to be here standing before you all, and so thank you so much for the chance to be here. When I was in first year, I had the funny notion that I was going to top the bar exams. “Well, yabang naman nito, feeling niya first year pa lang niya, ‘di ba?” But to clarify I never really expected that I would top the bar exams. I had no expectations, what I had though were a bunch of hopes and dreams, but gosh, I guess you can say that I never really expected what to expect out of this. As if law school was not enough, reviewing the bar exams could be very punishing and lonely at times. I had to make sure that my head was in the game 24/7, but because I am human, I could not avoid the many nights when I would look to the sky and really ask, “Tama pa ba ‘tong ginagawa ko? Kasi parang hindi na.” To the new lawyers in this room, I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of doubts. And yet here we are today, rubbing elbows with the most brilliant minds of our country. After having gone through what I would call the 10th circle of hell, I’d like to think we build enough resolve, enough resilience, to call ourselves strong contenders for the legal profession. No longer are we just survivors crawling through the bar. Slowly, we are also becoming champions in our own right. But friends I think we have to know that the uphill battle is far from over. The bar exams were the easy part. Surprise! The real world
is going to be much more complex, much more difficult than what we have to go through. Instead of exams, real life issues with real life consequences will be coming from left field and maybe sometimes you won’t know how to address them. Truth be told, there will be days when you will feel stuck in a rut, unable to move forward with our lives, but I’ll let you in on a little secret, these fiascos, setbacks, and missteps are just a normal part of life. These difficult days will come and go, and when they do, I dare you to move on, to pull your guts from the grave, and to find it in your heart to keep fighting for another day. Because that is excellence. Choose excellence. So you say you want to be a great lawyer. That’s tough, but I think it’s doable. So wear your attorney’s badge proudly, and do it well. Do it well even when choosing the law, even if it means rather, that you have to choose the long and winding path rather than having to cut corners, because that is excellence, choose excellence. So if you ever are torn, whether you should fight, whether you should bother rallying for a cause, or to get back to your office to work on backlogs, or to work for client, I hope you choose to bother, and you choose to care. Never forget that you are part of this world too, and that as hard as it is to believe sometimes, we lawyers cannot live in a bubble. So don’t forget to engage in things that are happening outside of our offices because that is excellence, choose excellence. I remember the day two years ago, when CJ Panganiban told us the good news that we would become the scholars of FLP, we were told that we were the very very best of our batch, that we were the cream of the crop. While these are very very nice things to hear, my only wish is that we do not fall into that sweet lull of complacency.
Let us disabuse ourselves of the notion that this is it - that we’ve somehow reached the summit of our lives and that it’s not going to get any better than this. So, when we’re too pleased with ourselves. When we think that we’ve reached all our dreams – that all our dreams have finally come true. I hope that we shake ourselves from that sense of complacency. Because guys, there’s so much work to be done still. So never tire of dreaming. And never grow weary of yearning for more. To the amazing people behind the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity and Tan Yan Kee Foundation, and all the people that have made this possible, on behalf of your scholars both old and new, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for taking a leap of faith with us. We are some of the luckiest bunch to be receiving your support and we promise we are worth it. To the parents here today, please do not stop supporting your kids. The legal profession can be a very bleak environment, and our dose of humanity will often come from loved ones like you guys. There will be days when we [appear in] our houses like walking zombies, who barely eliciting any human reaction, but make no mistake, we need you guys every step of the way. One more thing, to my par-
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ents, mom and dad who are sitting there, my loving, and very accepting, overall amazing couple right there, thank you for being the greatest fans of my life, even when I don’t believe in myself sometimes. I want you to know that I’m pulling every muscle that I can to make you guys proud. And I hope I’ve done that, and I hope that I can do so much more. You know they say we millennials are a self-entitled lot. While there may be a grain of truth to that statement. That is never all we are. We are young minds who like to hope and to dream of better days to come. So to my fellow scholars here today, I ask that you never lose your thirst for goodness. Go out into the world and dare live a little more boldly and dream a little louder. Push into the future with all the strength, the courage, and the fire that you can muster, because the good people - the good people are counting on us, so let’s do what we love for all the good people. My name is Sean James Borja, I am the 2018 Bar Topnotcher, but I would like to do and become so much more than that label. I’d like to think that we can make a dent on the Philippines someday. And I dare to believe that the best for us is yet to come, and I hope you think so as well. Thank you and good afternoon to everyone.” n
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Scholars from Farming Families Shine in Recent Recognition Rites
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he Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. congratulates the scholars under the TYKFI-STA Scholarship Program for Farmers’ Children for finishing another school year and even bagging honors in the recent Conferment Rites held on June 4 and 5, 2019 at the Rev. Fr. Silverio D. Ablaza Gymnasium of St. Teresita’s Academy in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya. Of the 150 scholars from Grades 7-12 in school year 20182019, almost 19% or 28 of them were with honors and high honors compared to last school year’s 14%. From Grade 7 - St. Cecilia, Preach C. Ambollo, Ella Jane T. Ansotigue, Angelica Mae B. Balinbin, Raissabelle Campos, Jhade Aubrey G. Leprozo, and Mikaela B. Lozano were awarded with honors along with Grade 7 - St. Lorenzo’s Kysie D. Batallones. From last year’s six awardees, there were nine scholars in Grade 8 who finished this school year with honors. From Grade 8 - St. Francis: Kurt Russel O. Andrada, Nicole Shane B. Bausel, Frances Alyzza S. De Guzman, Annariza T. Dumyaas, Daisy S. Gaoiran, Grace A. Ngin-
10 - St. Monica was beyond elated as he accepted his award with high honors. Novelyn O. Lacquias and Carolyn A. Nginsayan also marched the stage with honors. The three were completers of grade 10 or junior high school along with: Joshua S. Abingayan, Mylene A. Adawan, Meljoy T. Agmallo, Melody T. Agmallo, Abegail N. Baladad, Trixie Ann V. Castillo, Mary Jane D. Dinggas, Angelica R. Dua, Grace Mhernatz W. Felix, and Monic A. Ordonia. Lastly, seven Grade 12 scholars graduated from senior high school and are now ready to face a bigger world outside of STA. Graduates of General Academic strand (GAS) were Noreen Joy B. Basatan, Lerma D. Dinggas, Arcela P. Lamsis, and Wanda H. Martes. Graduates of Industrial Arts – Electrical Installation Management (IA-EIM) were Jamiel T. Agmallo and Jhorge A. Agmallo. Gerald Ron C. Tucay finished Science & Technology Engineering & Mathematics strand (STEM). Noreen Joy B. Basatan proudly received her award with honors as she finished her high school journey with her proud parents beside her. Her father, Mr. Edwin L. Basatan, expressed his gratitude for the help of the Foundation in his child’s education in the following message:
sayan, Melvin A. Palongyas, and April Joy S. Quinones; and from St. Matthew, Jeniane Lyfer Maye A. Buhong. Grade 9 - St. Bridget’s Jessa Mae R. Borondo, Christy Joy P. Fernandez, Marinelle K. Lab-os, and Ana Lesly M. Rosendo together with Grade 9 - St. Thomas More’s Amie A. Habungan and Eurika Faith G. Modelo were ecstatic to receive their awards with honors. Maribeth A. Moran and Julie Ann B. Yaos of St. Bridget section maintained their places in the honor roll and even topped their awards the previous school year – receiving their awards with high honors or with an average of 95% and above. Francis S. Lacquias of Grade 7
Message of Mr. Edwin L. Basatan
Parent of Noreen Joy B. Basatan, Grade 12 Graduate Tribute to Sponsors, June 4, 2019, Conferment Rites of Saint Teresita’s Academy “On behalf of the parents of the scholars, particularly the Tan Yan Kee scholars, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the support you are extending to our children. I take this as a tremendous act you do for us and so much more to our children. I would like to emphasize to the Tan Yan Kee representatives present in this special occasion that your good Foundation created a better world for our children to have their dreams realized as they journeyed through their high school days. Our children were able to see a brighter and wider horizon that they can pursue their high school education as your Foundation extended the needed help to them. The little hope in the hearts of our children has indeed grown bigger. Opportunities in the remote areas became accessible. I would like to thank God for every endeavor the Tan Yan Kee Foundation does for our children. Again, thank you.”
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Self-Empowerment Promotion Through Skills Enhancement Training for Basic Cosmetology
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OR several years, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) sought out impoverished housewives from farming communities in the towns of Kayapa and Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya and Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur and equipped them with skills in Basic Cosmetology, in partnership with AngHortaleza Foundation, Inc. (AHFI) This year, TYKFI gathered the past trainees again for Skills Enhancement Training for Basic Cosmetology dubbed as “Ganda Mo, Hanapbuhay Ko Level II” held at the TYKFI Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. On February 2 and 3, 2019, trainers Marites A. Escalante and Roseshell P. Espedido taught the 19 cosmetologist-participants advanced male haircutting on latest styles and with the use of both clippers and scissors, advanced female haircutting with layering and thinning techniques, advanced nail art, with inclusion of review of hair coloring. Every training session came with hands-on practice with models from nearby communities. Free haircutting, nail art with manicure and
Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, awarded the certificates of completion to the participants. Special awards were also given to trainees with notable skills such as Best in Female Haircutting which was received by Gina G. Abat of Sta. Fe, N.V. and Julie Ann M. Hingangan of Kayapa, N. V.; Best in Male Haircutting to Norma L. Binay-an of Kayapa and Elma L. Peralta of Sta. Fe; and Best in Nail Art to Nerissa G. Lazaro of Sta. Fe and
pedicure services were also given to local folks of Barangay Digdig and nearby barangays on the last day of training as part of the application and final practical evaluation of the trainees. The recipients were certainly happy for the treat. During the program’s culminating activity, the trainers and AHFI’s program manager Jeneil Ezra B. Espiritu, TYKFI’s Valerie Tan and Hoira Dominguez, together with Ms. Saturnina Hernandez, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of
TYKFI’s Corporate Communications Officer Valerie Tan (4th from left) attends the culminating activity of the livelihood training activity with the trainers, TYKFI’s Project Manager Hoira Dominguez and MSWDO Saturnina Hernandez (5th and 6th from left)
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Liwa A. Pascua of Sta. Cruz, I.S. It is the Foundation’s hope that by upgrading the beneficiaries’ varying skills, their livelihood may be enhanced and may better cater to the demands of their clients. It is through these continuous nurturing of relationship and skills that TYKFI aims to build on the welfare of families and communities as well as to aid them against the cycle of poverty. n
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Brigada Eskwela 2019
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or school year 2019-2020, TYKFI continued to extend support for education through its involvement in the annual Brigada Eskwela for one of its adopted schools in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. The Foundation provided Nagtenga Elementary School with materials to help remodel three old Marcos-type classrooms for kindergarten and grades 2 and 3 students. The three classrooms and their facilities have continuously been in use since their construction in the 1970s and have not undergone any major repairs. The window sills and bars were already old and rusting, the comfort rooms were worn out, and the doors and their hinges already demanded replacement for many years. During rainy season, the rain would spatter indoors caus-
which were also built and renovated through the aid from TYKFI. Masonry, painting, and electrical works were finished while the doors and comfort rooms were replaced and repaired. Meanwhile, a sense of the bayanihan spirit also ignited parents, teachers, and community members to ready the three rooms to provide a clean, safe, and conducive physical learning environment. The pupils, their parents and teachers alike, have been very grateful to the Foundation for its continued support to the community, especially the youth. n
ing the children and their things to get wet. The Foundation provided the construction materials for the renovation of the classrooms including bathroom fixtures and electric fans. During construction, the classes of the said grade levels which already started were held through makeshift arrangements in the computer room and at the multi-purpose hall, 10
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Health Services
TYKF-AABMSS Monthly Medical Forum
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VERY month, the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. and the Association of Asia Brewery Medical Specialty Scholars (AABMSS) hold a medical forum designed for laymen. The forum provides people with a venue to learn about the latest medical issues, trends, and available treatment options. Asia Brewery medical scholars render free consultations and discuss pertinent matters in layman’s language. The forum is held at the Grand Ballroom of Century Park Hotel. No antibiotics needed
Medical Forum No. 312
Eye See Something: Common Eye Conditions
HEPATITIS: infection of the liver Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis A to E (can be prevented to vaccination, avoidance of risky activities, sanitation) Hepatitis A: from infected feces Hepatitis B and C: from blood and body fluids • Symptoms: Yellowing skin and eyes Dark urine Light-colored stools Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Extreme fatigue Complication: liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure
Kevin Gabriel Co Tan, M.D. (Clinics: George Optical [Ongpin] – 242-9979, Novagen Eye Center [SM Manila] – 0998-5542020, Perfect Sight Eye Center [SM North Edsa] – 352-1620, Healthway Medical Center [Greenbelt] - 239-8621) Normal Eyes: • light should focus on the retina • clear cornea • no lens opacity • healthy optic nerve and retina Error of Refraction: • Myopia: light rays focus in front of retina; corrected with concave minus lenses • Hyperopia: eye focuses the image behind the retina; corrected with convex plus lenses • Astigmatism: a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped; corrected with cylinder lenses • Presbyopia: loss of accommodation associated with aging (usually starts at age 40); corrected with reading glasses
Common Eye Diseases:
CONJUNCTIVITIS • Symptoms: redness, discharges, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, itching, sensitivity to light HORDEOLUM (STYE OR “KULITI”) AND CHALAZION SUBCONJUNCTIVAL HEMORRHAGE: often occurs without any obvious harm to your eye • Causes: spontaneous (no specific cause), intense exercise, coughing, sneezing, pressing, rubbing of eyes, bending over, straining during bowel movement, lifting heavy objects, trauma or surgery, high blood pressure (elderly), impaired coagulation (hemophilia), long term aspirin use • Treatment: no treatment needed, will resolve on its own in 1 to 2 weeks PTERYGIUM: fleshy mass due to frequent UV and dust exposure CORNEAL ABRASION: trauma to surface of the cornea Causes: fingernail, spiked-leaf or branch that snaps back to the eye Symptoms: foreign body sensation and severe pain, tearing, eyelid swelling Treatment: conjunctival injection CATARACT: opacity of the crystalline lens • Symptoms: gradual or progressive blurring of vision, halos at night, cloudy vision • Treatment: Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation VITREOUS FLOATERS RETINAL DETACHMENT • Symptoms: sudden blurring of vision, curtain falling, multiple floaters • Treatment: Vitrectomy
HYPERTENSIVE RETINOPATHY: retinal vascular damage due to hypertension
Head of bed elevation and avoidance of meals 2 to 3 hours before bedtime should be recommended for patients with nocturnal GERD. Selective elimination of dietary triggers (fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, spicy foods, food with high fat content, carbonated beverages, and peppermint) in patients who note correlation with GERD symptoms and an improvement in symptoms with elimination. An 8-week course of Proton Pump Inhibitors is the therapy of choice for symptom relief and healing of erosive esophagitis.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: retinal thinning and damage caused by high blood sugar GLAUCOMA: increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve (transmits images to your brain) • Symptoms: severe eye pain, blurring of vision, gradual loss of peripheral vision • Treatment: if without treatment and the damage continues, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss within a few years; anti-glaucoma eye drops, Laser Iridotomy, Trabeculectomy
PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE: defects in the gastrointestinal mucosa that extend through the muscularis mucosae. • Causes: H. Pylori infection Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) • Risk Factors: Above 75 years old and have history of ulcer disease or ulcer complications Dose, duration of action, duration of therapy of the NSAIDs • Symptoms: Dyspepsia Can also be asymptomatic Upper abdominal pain or discomfort occurs within five hours after meal and between 11 PM and 2 AM • Diagnosis: Upper endoscopy (direct visualization and biopsy of the ulcer to rule out the possibility of malignancy) • Complications: Bleeding (vomit blood clots or hematemesis) Gastric outlet obstruction Perforation • Treatment: Eradication of H. Pylori Withdrawal of offending drugs (NSAIDs) Proton Pump Inhibitors (Pantoprazole) ACUTE PANCREATITIS: • Treatment: Conservative approach Adequate pain relief Nothing by mouth Hydration of intravenous fluid
Medical Forum No. 313
All About Gastrointestinal Tract (Guts)
Michael Louie O. Lim, M.D. (Clinics: Chinese General Hospital: 711-4141, UST Hospital: 731-3001) GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD): reflux of stomach contents • Symptoms: Heartburn (burning sensation), Dysphagia, Chest pain, Globus sensation, Odynophagia, Regurgitation: reflux of acidic material mixed with undigested food into the mouth or hypopharynx; Extraesophageal symptoms: chronic cough, hoarseness, wheezing and nausea • Risk Factors: Iron deficiency anemia, Anorexia, Dysphagia, Odynophagia, Persistent vomiting, Gastrointestinal cancer in a first-degree relative, Unexplained weight loss, New onset of dyspepsia in patient 60 years old and above, Evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis, melena, hematochezia, occult blood in stool) • Diagnosis: Gastroscopy (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy): can rule out upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy and other etiologies in patients with GERD symptoms that are refractory to a trial of proton pump inhibitor therapy • Management: Weight loss is recommended for who are overweight or have had recent weight gain.
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COLON CANCER: mostly asymptomatic discovered only by routine screening • Signs and Symptoms: due to growth of the tumor Change in bowel habits: most common Rectal bleeding Rectal or abdominal mass Iron deficiency anemia Abdominal pain • Diagnosis: done yearly for 50 years old and above Fecal occult blood tests, preferably using fecal immunochemical test (FIT) Flexible sigmoidoscopy Colonoscopy: most accurate diagnostic test, since it can localize and biopsy lesions throughout the large bowel, detect synchronous neoplasms and remove polyps • Treatment: Endoscopic Resection (Polypectomy): for benign adenomas, severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ Surgical Resection: for localized colon cancer Medical Forum No. 314
Common Childhood Diseases Jemely L. Metra-Punzalan, M.D. [Clinics: Divine Grace: (046)482-6888, UST: 7313001, Infant Jesus: 731-2771, De Los Santos: 893-5762, Rizal: 865-8400]
MEASLES: highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes • Complication: Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): very rare, but fatal disease of the central nervous system that will generally develop 7-10 years after being fully recovered. • Treatment: no medicine kills the measles virus, only address the signs and symptoms as well as the complication Drink a lot of water: to avoid dehydration Antipyretics (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen): for fever Antibiotics: for complication • Symptoms (usually disappear within 10 days): Fever Red inflamed eyes Hacking cough and sore throat
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Health Services Runny nose Red, blotchy rash that first appears on forehead Koplik’s spots inside the mouth • Prevention: Get vaccinated Consult doctor promptly Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing Hands that frequently touched objects should be cleaned and disinfected often Avoid visiting people who have been infected and refrain going to work or school when rash appears to prevent the spread of infection CHICKEN POX: caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which may reside in dormant state in the sensory nerve ganglia after the first occurrence of infection. Reactivation of the virus at some later stage causes shingles (Herpes Zoster). • Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with patient’s secretions, by droplet or air borne Most contagious during 5 days before and 5 days after appearance of blisters From mother to child, if the mother is infected about 2-5 days before delivery or during breast milk feeding • Symptoms (come out 10-21 days after infected): Red spots first appear on chest, face and back, then turn into itchy blisters Fever Headache Tiredness Decreased appetite • Complications: Skin staph /strep infections Encephalitis (brain inflammation) Pneumonia • Treatments: Increase fluid intake: to prevent dehydration Take antipyretics (for fever) or acyclovir therapy Trim fingernails or wear gloves or mittens: to prevent from scratching Take antihistamine, bath with neem leaves, baking powder or oatmeal and soothing lotions (calamine): to relieve itching • Prevention: Live attenuated Varicella vaccine: protect high risk individuals from exposure Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG): effective in preventing or modifying disease if given within 96 hours of exposure
clean and disinfect surfaces Eat nutritious and balanced diet
HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: mild viral infection that is extremely uncommon in adults, but is very common in children below five years old • Causes: spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal discharge, saliva, feces and fluid from the rash of an infected person or contaminated objects and surfaces • Complications: affects nervous system and heart, leading to death • Symptoms (show up 3-5 days after infected): Fever Stomach ache Muscle pain Sore throat Headache Flat, red spots on the hands and soles Painful spots in the mouth and throat • Treatment: clear up fever and sore throat in 7-10 days Topical oral anesthetic: relieve mouth sore pain • Prevention: Avoid close contact with sick people and stay at home if you are sick Cover your coughs and sneezes Wash hands frequently with soap and water (avoid touching your face with unwashed hands),
Kidney or Renal Failure: kidneys lost the ability to function effectively • Types: Acute (occur quickly and may leave permanent damage) Chronic (occurred more than 3 months and function will gradually lose) • Causes: Acute: all in blood flow to the kidneys Blockage of urine flow Damage from infections Medications or contrast materials used in CT scan * Risk Factor of Acute Renal Failure: critically ill and admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) Chronic: Diabetes mellitus Hypertension Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units) Polycystic kidney disease Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract from an enlarged prostate Kidney stones and cancers Vesicoureteral Reflux (causes urine to backflow up into kidneys)
Interstitial Nephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s tubules and surrounding structures) Pyelonephritis (recurrent kidney infection) • Symptoms: may not appear until irreversible kidney damage has occurred Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Fatigue and weakness Sleep problems Changes in how much you urinate Decreased mental sharpness Muscle twitches and cramps Swelling of feet and ankles Persistent itching Shortness of breath (if fluid builds up in the lungs) Chest pain (if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart) High blood pressure that is difficult to control • Treatment: if untreated, build-up of fluid, electrolytes and toxins in the blood can be fatal • Prevention: Do not smoke Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications Maintain a healthy weight Manage your medical conditions with your doctors
DENGUE: painful debilitating disease transmitted from person to person by the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitoes • Types: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4 Infection with one dengue serotype is believed to produce immunity to that serotype. But, it does not protect against the other serotypes. • Causes: Lack of sanitation Pollution growth Infected mosquitoes Climate change Contaminated and stagnant water Unplanned and uncontrolled urbanization Collection of trash • Symptoms (come out 4-13 days after infected): High fever Headache Joint and muscle pain Rashes Vomiting Severe diarrhea Hepatomegaly Hypotension • Complications: Decreased body temperature Persistent abdominal pain Rapid breathing Bleeding gums Decreased platelet count • Prevention: Use mosquito repellent Wear long sleeves and pants in evening Make sure no stagnant water Spray insecticide in dark corners Increase water intake to control body temperature
Medical Forum No. 316
Women’s Health
Irene L. Lim, M.D. (Ob-gyn) [Clinics: Infant Jesus – 731-2771, Pacific Global – 901-4941] NORMAL MENSTRUAL CYCLE: • Interval: 28 days or advanced or delayed nearly 1 week • Duration: 4-5 days (3-5 pads per day) Blood Loss: 25-69 mL Abnormal uterine bleeding: any change in menstrual period with regards to flow, duration, frequency, or bleeding between cycles • Causes: Reproductive tract disorders Trauma Systemic Disease Endocrine Dysfunction Pregnancy-related Conditions Medications Ovulatory Dysfunction • Diagnosis: Pelvic examination Endometrial biopsy MRI scan Hysteroscopy Dilatation and curettage Transvaginal ultrasound Endometrial sampling
Medical Forum No. 315
Bato-bato sa Langit… Ang Tamaan Huwag Magkasakit
Dexter Clifton C. Pe, M.D. (Clinics: UST Hospital – 731-3001, Clinica Manila [Megamall] – 661-7777) KIDNEYS: make urine to carry away waste, excess fluid and toxins from the blood and also make hormones to stimulate the making of red blood cells in the bone marrow and strengthen the bones
UTERINE MYOMA: tumors arising from the muscular layer of the uterus and is the most common benign uterine pathology, occurring in 70-80% of reproductive aged women, usually peaks on the fifth decade of life. • Risk Factors: Nulliparity Early menarche Increased frequency of menses Family history • Symptoms: Heavy periods or painful periods Frequent need to urinate Lower back pain Pain or discomfort during sex Abdominal pain Constipation • Treatment: Medical: NSAIDS, Oral Contraceptive Pills, GnRH agonists
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Surgical: Myomectomy, Hysterectomy UTERINE POLYP: most common uterine pathology caused by localized overgrowth of endometrial glands from the uterine cavity • Risk factors: Increased patient age Use of tamoxifen Hypertension Obesity Diabetes • Symptoms: Irregular menses Heavy periods Bleeding or spotting in between periods Vaginal bleeding after menopause • Treatment: Hysteroscopic polypectomy Dilatation and curettage ENDOMETRIAL CARCINOMA: incidence rate is third in female genital malignant tumors, and patients are mostly between 50 and 60 years old. • Risk factors: Increasing age Infertility Unopposed estrogen therapy Early menarche Nulliparity Late menopause, age 55 above • Diagnosis: Transvaginal ultrasound Endometrial biopsy Dilatation and curettage • Treatment: Operative: total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with optional lymph node dissection Adjuvant radiotherapy Early or Recurrent Cases: Hormonal Therapy • Prevention: Combined oral contraceptive pills Breastfeeding Childbearing at an older age Exercise MENOPAUSE: absence of menstrual period for 12 months. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but menopause may occur as earlier as ages 30s or 40s, or may not occur until a woman reaches her 60s. As a rough “rule of thumb,” women tend to undergo menopause at an age similar to that of their mothers. • Symptoms: Hot Flashes Night Sweats Irregular Periods Loss of Libido Vaginal Dryness Mood Swings • Treatment: Hormone replacement therapy Calcium supplement Lubricants Vitamin E Non-hormonal medical therapy Oral contraceptive pills Estrogen cream Lifestyle modification PAP SMEAR: method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix Start Screening: recommended approximately 3 years after onset of sexual activity or around 21 years of age until the age of 65, annually with conventional cytology Stop Screening: 65 years old and above with an intact cervix plus a history of 3 consecutive normal smears within the previous 10-years or after hysterectomy. n
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Health Services
Being away from his comfort zone has always been challenging, and he could only describe his experience using the word “Dauntless”. Earlier, he was not sure of the career he would pursue. Through the support of his parents and his mentors, he overcame the difficulties that came along his way. He especially drew inspiration from his father who has always been there for him and his three siblings, raising them with more than adequate education. However, his one year abroad was not always on cloud nine. The specialized technological organization system of TTSH or paperless data recording was entirely different to the practice of medical filing here in the Philippines. He had to keep up with this transition so he spent hours after the office doing trial and error within their system. None-
TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program:
Dr. Andrei Paolo S. Angbue-Te
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N whatever we do, there will always be difficulties that would make us say, “I can do it.”
Becoming a medical doctor is no easy feat. Years inside the classroom, tons of medical books, a fair amount of training here and abroad may feel as if they were never enough over the advancements in the medical field and healthcare. For Dr. Andrei Paolo Angbue-Te, there were other dreams to pursue but despite the demanding path that leads to becoming a doctor, he got through the adversities and finished a year of Oculoplastic training in Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) in Singapore through the help of TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program. Dr. Angbue-Te delved into Ophthalmology after finishing his medical studies. In 2015, he passed the diplomate exam on Ophthalmology given by the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology. In 2018, he obtained a scholarship for his fellowship training in Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore, a subsidized sector funded by the government. Due to TTSH’s reputation of being one of the pioneer hospitals in Southeast Asia, the high influx of patients from various countries in Asia and even other foreign countries brought about 40-80 referrals per day, excluding emergency calls and surgeries. Thus, Dr. Angbue-Te was able to see and treat not only Orientals and Indians but Cauca-
sians as well, and the vast exposure to various facial and ocular features of his patients greatly helped him in his fellowship training. Orbit and Oculoplasty is a field that primarily deals with the periocular structures of the eye comprising the eyelids, eyebrows, lacrimal system, and bony orbital wall. According to Dr. Angbue-Te, he encountered cases like eyelid anomalies, eyelid masses, orbital diseases/masses, orbital fractures, and diseases of the lacrimal drainage system from day to day. Dr. Angbue-Te and fellow doctors normally handled patients with drooping of the eyelids (Ptosis), persistent tearing (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction or NLDO), and protruding globe or bulging of the eyes (Thyroid eye disease/ Pseudotumor/ Retro-orbital mass) - cases that can sometimes be neglected at clinics. He also shared that one of the treatment options for patients diagnosed with NLDO is Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. It is a good alternative in managing blocked nasolacrimal duct which leads to persistent tearing. It is not commonly taught or performed in our country and only a handful of specialists are certified to conduct the said procedure, but he was privileged enough to learn it during his fellowship training.
theless, under the tutelage of Prof. Yip Chee Chew and Prof. Llewellyn Lee, both renowned medical icons in Singapore in the field of Orbit and Oculoplasty, Dr. Angbue-Te finished his study and vowed to share his knowledge with other Filipino doctors and people who need special eye care. “In a span of a year, I was able to enhance my evaluation skill, attain mindful decision making and provide adequate but never the less safe treatment options. I was able to grow not only as a medical professional but an academe as well. I personally thank the TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program for this fellowship grant to train in TTSH and to meet interesting personalities which I believe was not a possibility five years back. I wish to apply what I have learned in providing service to our countrymen.”
TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program:
Dr. Noruel Gerard A. Salvador
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REAMS are always just dreams, unless one will work hard for it to become a reality.
For Dr. Noruel Gerard A. Salvador, he held on to his goal of becoming a liver transplant surgeon and through the help of TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program, he finished his fellowship training on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (KCGMH) in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan and is now back in the country to serve his fellow Filipinos. As a kid, Dr. Salvador has always dreamt of becoming a 14
doctor. He spent years of studying and training, particularly in surgery, to fulfil his childhood dream. With a particular case he encountered that involved life and death situation during his practice as a general surgeon, he knew he wanted to become a liver transplant surgeon. There has always been a high demand for more doctors in the Philippines. According to Dr. Salvador, normally, when a case pertains to liver problem, a general surgeon would refer the patient to an HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Bil-
LEGACY
Health Services iary) surgeon. The dilemma in these situations is patients with liver problems are always high in number but there are only a handful of HPB surgeons in the country. HPB surgeons deal with conditions that affect the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and the bile ducts. As much as he wanted to become a specialist in the said field, the medical and training facilities in the country are lacking. With this, he just immediately practiced general surgery until six years after, he was given the chance to have his two-year fellowship training in one of the leading liver transplantation centers not just in Taiwan and Asia but in the whole world. Prof. Chao-Long Chen is a pioneer liver transplant surgeon and most respected authority in living
donor liver transplantation (LDLT). He is called the father of liver transplantation in Taiwan and Asia for being the first one to perform successful liver transplantation in 1984. Dr. Salvador trained closely under his wings in treating and managing patients who need or have undergone liver transplantation. He also learned the intricacies of HPB surgery and handled both simple and complex cases under the supervision of two senior HPB surgeons, Dr. Chih-Che Lin and Chee-Chien Yong. In his two years of training in HPB surgery, he was involved in more than 200 operations, mostly LDLT, deceased donor liver transplantation, open and laparoscopic liver and pancreatic resections. KCGMH’s wide-ranged experience and expertise in handling liver cases
TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program:
Dr. Janet Wenceslao-Elcano
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OR Dr. Janet Wenceslao-Elcano, learning should never end with oneself.
In 2014, she finished her one year training in Electrophysiology at the Yonsei University Health System in Seoul, South Korea under the TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program. After going back to the country to serve her countrymen well in line with the goal of the program, she landed another scholarship program in a hospital in Canada to equip herself better with skills to treat the Filipino patients efficiently. Now that she is done with her fellowship training, she dreams of giving back – not just to serve but more importantly to educate.
Her journey to becoming a medical doctor was not a walk in the park. She had to persevere her way through medical school with the support of her single mom’s cigarette vending work and through her own entrepreneurial efforts as a sari-sari store owner. However, this did not deter her from finishing in the dean’s list and ninth place overall in her class. Of course, the sweetness of finally finishing in medical school and passing the physician licensure exam was fleeting as she had to study and train more. Having been based in Cebu for the longest time, 15
and its continuous pursuit of knowledge through research inspired him to complete three research studies, in which he is the first author. All three studies were presented in international conferences in the Philippines and abroad and won awards such as Travel Award and Best in Oral Presentation. In all these achievements, he continued to look forward to finishing his study and going back to his country to finally share his valuable medical learnings. Nonetheless, as a doctor and as an ordinary individual, he took Prof. Chao-Long Chen’s words to heart: “Medicine is about saving lives; there is no place for egoism.” Dr. Salvador recognized that humility is as important as the skills he learned because it will
drive you to do your best in saving lives. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, or other para-medical personnel, everyone has equal voices and should work as one. “With these new knowledge and skills I have acquired, I wish that I can help uplift the status of liver care in our country. With our plan to create a new liver care unit and liver transplantation center in our hospital, our ultimate goal is to render affordable, humane, and quality liver care services to our liver patients. Though it will still be a challenge, with the proper support from our hospitals and government, I hope in the near future our patients may not need to go outside our country and instead be treated by our own Filipino doctors.”
she also took the risk of coming to Manila for her residency in internal medicine and fellowship training in Adult Cardiology. Eventually, she received the scholarship award for her training in Electrophysiology under the TYKFI-ABI Medical Specialty Scholarship Program. Electrophysiology is a study to assess the heart’s electrical activity and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia. The results from the series of tests will help determine the best treatment option to deal with the diagnosis. As an electrophysiologist, she did clinical and research work in South Korea with regard to cardiac arrhythmias and device implantation. After finishing her fellowship in Seoul, she served in different hospitals in the Visayas before taking on another scholarship in Electrophysiology at the Montreal Heart Institute in Montreal, Canada. She continued learning on with actual hands on implantation, as well as simple and complex ablation procedures. Cardiac ablation is a procedure done to correct heart rhythm problems or arrhythmia. Living and studying abroad and learning all these advanced medical technologies may seem to be a complete wonderful experience, but for Dr. Wenceslao-Elcano, challenges continued to test her faith and determination to the
point that she just thought of going back home and forget about her goals. Looking back, those seemingly insurmountable challenges fueled her determination to strive harder, endure, and persevere. During her training years, she also realized that the field of medicine is fast and evolving. With all the medical advancements, she felt the need of our country for physicians who will embrace the advancements of technology in order to deliver high quality patient care. No matter the challenges she faced during her training, she still held on to her compass – that is to bring these medical technology and milestones home to her fellow Filipinos. Aside from the certificate she earned from her two fellowship trainings, an intangible achievement she is proud of is winning the heart of the people around her – her bosses, colleagues, and the patients themselves. She thought she represented to them the qualities of a Filipino – resilient, hardworking, motivated, and good natured. In her own way, she continues to pass on the passion for education with her two young children who now dreams of being a cardiac and neurosurgeon. She also wants to touch more lives through the training of physicians in our country, by establishing a fellowship training that brings up the best Electrophysiologists. n
LEGACY
Social Welfare
Legacy Forest Project Farmers Receive Touch of Healing
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TRESS and fatigue brought about by body pains, feelings of discomfort and laziness disturbs the healthy mindset of employees and workers thus affecting their productivity at work. One way to take care of them is through providing them with time for relaxation and stress relieving activities which may elicit positive behavioural changes in the workplace. Healthcare of the employees were closely monitored and from the records of the administrative office of the Legacy Forest Project in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, there was an increase in the requests of pain relievers among the farm workers. In March and April, the Foundation invited over three blind massage therapists to conduct massage therapy as part of the wellness enhancement pro-
grams for the farmers. Most of them were hesitant of the experience because they either have not done it before or they fear that it just might worsen their body ache. There were about thirty farm workers, both female and male, who benefited from the massage therapy. Virgie Lopez, who first availed the service of Anna-
lyn (the blind masseuse), even bragged about her experience to co-worker Maria, saying, “Mars, ang sarap sa pakiramdam, lakas maka-donya (It feels good, like an elite woman).” Maria tried it afterwards and commented, “Oo nga para akong donya (Yes, I am like a rich woman).” Some of them did 16
repeat in the following month’s session. After the sessions were conducted, results showed that there was a decrease in the requests of pain relievers. Lively and a feeling of strength restored, smiles from an hour of relaxation made their working behavior healthy and rehabilitated. n
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Social Welfare
Values Formation Program Continues in the Workplace
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YKFI’s Human Resources Department conducted a series of values education for the farmers and outpost personnel every month under the Legacy Forest Project in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The continuous values formation program aims to teach values and virtues which are important in forming good habits and having acceptable behaviors, whether at work or in their personal activities.
The series of sessions tackled values and traits such as optimism, strong work ethics, responsibility, cooperation, environmental awareness, ambition, commitment, debt of gratitude, flexibility, perseverance, and compassion. In one of the sessions, Foundation Head Philip Sing joined in one of the activities. For the participants, seeing Mr. Sing together with their fellow
workers made the session more exciting, as they identified when cooperation becomes right or wrong. “Gusto namin ang ganitong session kasi masaya, nakaka-alis ng pagod (We like this kind of session because it is fun; it lessens our feelings of fatigue and exhaustion),” Efrina, one of the workers stated. Larry, one of the many indigenous members of the Kalanguya Tribe
who has been working in the farm for three years also said, “Maganda ‘to kasi natutunan namin maging isang magandang ehemplo sa mga kasama naming sa trabaho (This is very nice, we learn how to be good examples to our co-workers).” The farm workers always look forward to having programs where 17
they can learn and improve certain values that will help them mold themselves as better persons and later pass it on to their children. After each session, the workers also enjoyed having snacks and drinks together. “Eto ang the best sa lahat, yung libreng merienda (This is the best part of all, the free snacks).” n
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Social Welfare
Extending the Legacy to the Young Forestry Students
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WO batches of students from the University of the Philippines – Los Baùos College of Forestry visited the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project area in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on April 6 and 14, 2019. More than 150 students with their college professors learned of the goals, experiences and difficulties, and sustainability efforts of the program. Dr. Rex Victor O. Cruz, former UPLB Chancellor, and Prof. Marlo D. Mendoza, students of Watershed Management subject of BS Forestry,
of the improvement of the area since his last visit where the facilities were still under construction. The group saw the newly harvested chili being sorted by the farmers and workers.
Masters of Forestry, and Masters in Human Ecology visited the project area on April 6, 2019. Immediately, Dr. Cruz noted 18
Meanwhile, the second group who went on April 14, 2019 was composed of 132 freshmen from the College of Forestry together with some professors and staff. Both groups had a tour of the model farm and the exhibit of the biodiversity resources within the 930 hectare planting site as documented by TYKFI. After which, the TYKFI technical persons and administrators presented the goals, accomplishments, problems and difficulties, and future plans of the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project since its establishment. TYKFI shared that the project generated livelihood for the community folks, not only for admin works, but most especially for farm-
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Social Welfare ers. One part of the project which has caught their interest during the open discussion was its self-sustaining aspect through its own water impounding system and deep-well. The constant pursuit for development in the model farm has led to establishment of greenhouse, concretion of walled canal, and construction of drip and fertigation system. However, TYKFI shared that the project is most proud of the knowledge it provides the farmers which they could use in their own lives, even as they choose to focus on their own farming jobs in their gardens and backyards. The technical heads of the project also shared the information about fuelwood, timber, and
UP Los BaĂąos students engage TYKFI officers in open forum
agroforestry species that have been planted in the 930 and 56 hectares planting site, as well as forest fire prevention measures. The Foundation also continues to strengthen community relations, social approach, and informational campaign on forest protection to sustain the project. The average 2-3 months of rainfall and soil acidity are just among the many difficulties, including pest and diseases, flooding during heavy rainfall, and unpredicted weather condition. Foundation Head Philip Sing, however, said that working with a heart amidst all the failures, is how the project overcame the challenges of managing the forest and the farm. With the collective efforts of the farmers and employees, the Foundation hopes to improve and educate more youth as its legacy to future generations. n
Foundation Head Philip Sing shares the story of the Legacy Forest Project with the guests
UP Los BaĂąos students tour the farm with TYKFI officers
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LEGACY
Social Welfare
Setting Good Examples in the Community
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N order to achieve a peaceful and productive community, we need leaders who will be active in setting good examples especially to our children. The Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. sponsored the training of seven local government officials and six teachers along with PTA president of the Tan Yan Kee Elementary School in Brgy. Balete, Sta. Fe, Nueva Ecija in Good Governance and Solid Waste Management Workshop. On April 22, 2019, the participants headed by Brgy. Captain Romeo L. Bugtong and School Head Gerevie Anne M. Rayos
Mr. Aquino I. Garcia is a dean and professor at the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, a threeterm punong barangay, and a city
joined in the lecture by the invited speaker, Mr. Aquino I. Garcia, at the activity hall of Shore Time Hotel in Boracay, Aklan. 20
councilor re-electionist in the City of Dasmariñas, Cavite. Lecture and activities on topics like leadership, ordinance
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Social Welfare making and implementation, parliamentary procedures, and solid waste management were tackled during the engaging four-hour session. They also made a personal statement of commitment as public officials on how they can be effective servant leaders through an essay. The participants then shared their sentiments and exchanged ideas as they read their pledges aloud. As early as 5:30am the next day, everyone was up and ready to be part of the practical application of the solid waste management workshop. Armed with gloves and carrying sacks, the teachers, public officials, and the TYKFI staffs all joined together for a clean-up drive around the mangrove boardwalk developed under the Roots for Boracay Project – a collective partnership among TYKFI, Tanduay Distillers, Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Dean Aquino I. Garcia of De La Salle University-DasmariĂąas (standing, first left) with TYKES teachers and local government officials from Balete, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya after his lecture on Good Governance and Solid Waste Management.
(DENR), and the local government of Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Boracay, Aklan. Almost 50 sacks mostly made of plastics, slippers, bottles, and dried barks and leaves were collected by everyone. Male participants carried vandalized heavy stone chairs from the water, brushed, and cleaned it, ready to be used again. The LGU picked up the collected sacks of trash. After the clean up drive, the participants planted api-api, a local mangrove species, at the other side of the boardwalk. In culmination, the TYKFI officers presented the trainees their certificates of participation and congratulated them in their efforts, with the hopes that they will share what they learned for the betterment of their own local communities. n 21
LEGACY
Social Welfare
2019 Golden “KAP” Basketball Tournament
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HIS 2019, Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc., in partnership with Tanduay Distillers, Inc. through Tanduay Athletics, kicked off the summer season with the first ever basketball play-offs for local municipalities dubbed as Golden “KAP” Basketball Tournament from June 3 to 25, 2019.
Staying true to its commitment of grassroots sports development, the tournament was community-based with participating municipalities of Aritao, Nueva
ship. Playing basketball and having a basketball tournament is one way of promoting an active lifestyle through sports, which also helps parents keep away their children from illegal drugs. On June 3, 2019, the activity started with a parade of the players with their colourful jerseys courtesy of Tanduay Athletics. Along with their lovely muses, teams from Barangays Beti, Poblacion, and Tabueng in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya and Barangays D.L. Maglanoc, General Luna, and San Agustin in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija came alive for the opening of the program held at the Geonature Inc. Multi-Pur-
Vizcaya and Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. The project was initiated to enable the youth to develop their skills in basketball and inculcate in them the value of sportsman22
pose Hall, Brgy. Digdig, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. Awarded as the Best Muse, with a unanimous decision from judges composed of TYKFI’s Philip Sing and Evelyn Abao and former Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya Mayor Teodorico Padilla, is Ms. Patricia Gian R. Rojo of Brgy. Poblacion, who received a sash, cash prize, and gift. Other muses also received consolation prizes and gift from TYKFI. The tournament officially opened with the tossing of the ball led by Mr. Sing and Mr. Padilla. The games were held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Geonature Inc. Multi-Purpose Hall.
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Social Welfare As the elimination round ended on June 12, four barangays consisting of Beti, Poblacion, Tabueng, and General Luna advanced to the semi-finals round held at the LGU Gym in Aritao. The start of the semis round was graced by Aritao Vice Mayor Ruben M. Sayo, where he was part of the table officials. The last game of semis with Beti vs. General Luna, Vice Mayor Sayo officiated the court as referee, with the game in favour of Beti. For the championship rounds, the winner between Beti and Tabueng would be determined by who would win twice. The first game on June 22, 2019, Beti won against Tabueng with a score of 97-93. On June 24, two matches were held to determine the third and fourth runner-up teams and the winner of the second game. The
Patricia Gian R. Rojo (3rd from left) of Poblacion, Aritao is declared Best Muse.
Philip Sing (center) with all the teams and muses. During the finals, Team Tabueng emerges as Champion with Team Beti as first runner-up.
battle for third runner-up was won by Poblacion with a score of 101-92 against General Luna. Second final match-up was won by Tabueng with 114-99, inciting an exciting game three play-off. The same day, officials awarded the Mythical Five: Allan Ray Cadano (Beti), Jayson Rafanan (Tabueng), Ernesto Peralta (Poblacion), Richard Domingo and Jomer Baltazar (General Luna). Each received a medal and cash prize. Allan Ray Cadano of Barangay Beti, hailed as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, received a trophy and cash prize. The last battle for the championship proved to be exciting
because of the close fight. With the final score of 92-91, Barangay Tabueng emerged as the overall champion for the tournament. Finals MVP was bagged by Jayson Rafanan who received a trophy and cash prize. Both teams also received their trophy and cash prizes and each player received a medal. Overall, Foundation Head Philip Sing said that the basketball tournament for the youth achieved its success as the players extensively developed values of cooperation, discipline, and sportsmanship through a game of basketball. n 23
LEGACY World CSR Day Confers on Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. the 2019 NGO Leadership Award
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r. R.L. Bhatia, chairman and organizer of the annual world CSR leadership awards, presented the Tan Yan Kee Foundation, Inc. (TYKFI) with the 2019 Global NGO Leadership and Excellence Award on February 18, 2019 at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai, India along with other outstanding non-government organizations chosen from institutions from over 33 countries. The award giving body noted that TYKFI is a leading Philippinebased organization, founded on April 7, 1986 by Dr. Lucio C. Tan, a top Filipino businessman, in honor of his father, Mr. Tan Yan Kee. For 32 years, TYKFI has approached corporate social responsibility from a holistic commitment framework in the fields of education, social welfare, health, culture,
and sports. Among the Foundation’s flagship programs is the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Legacy Forest Project where it engages in sustainable agroforestry activities, environment rehabilitation practices, and agricultural resources management guided by international NGO standards. While protecting the environment, the Foundation was cited for
Foundation Head Philip Sing received the prestigious award on behalf of Dr. Lucio C. Tan.
providing livelihood opportunities through training programs, calamity assistance, housing projects, and medical and wellness missions for its forest and farm workers. Also at the heart of the Foundation is education with several scholarship programs for various courses 24
in business, engineering, sciences, law, medicine, forestry, and agriculture as well scholarships for children from poor farming communities that the Foundation supports. Mr. Philip Sing received the prestigious award on behalf of Dr. Lucio C. Tan. n